Irish boxer Michael Conlan will make the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental featherweight title when he faces Ruben Garcia-Hernandez in Madison Square Garden on St Patrick’s Day.

The Belfast native defeated Jason Cunningham in Manchester in December to continue his unbeaten start to life in the pro-ranks and pick up the first title of his professional career.

Sunday’s card, which Conlan will headline, will be his fifth fight at the world’s most famous arena, in just ten professional bouts. MSG has become somewhat of “a home from home” as the Belfast native explained.

“Yeah definitely it seems like it’s my home from home,” said Conlan speaking exclusively to Pundit Arena.

“I think this could be the fifth time I’ve boxed there. It’s a fantastic place to fight, am I’m very verylucky; I’m blessed to fight there every time. So I’m very grateful. “

Conlandefeated American Tim Ibarra by TKO in that bout and was walked to the ring by fellow Irish combat sports star Conor McGregor.

The former two-weight world champion has trained with Conlan before and celebrated with the Belfast native following his pro-fight debut.

McGregor then ventured into the world of boxing himself, as he faced Floyd Mayweather in a bout in August of 2017.

Conlan outlined that in the build-up to the fight he predicted the 49-0 multiple time champion Mayweather would defeat McGregor in the squared-circle, something that the 27-year old believes didn’t sit well with the Notorious One.

“Nah, nah not we don’t keep in touch as much,” explained Conlan.

“No No. We were talking for a while but when the McGregor vs Mayweather fight was happening, I said Floyd would win and I haven’t heard much from him since. I don’t know if that kinda annoyed him or anything but I was just being honest.”

The Belfast fighter will take to the ring around 1 a.m on Sunday, March 17th as he looks to defend his title against the tough Hernandez in New York City.

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Stay with Pundit Arena for more from Michael Conlan over the next few days as well as his full exclusive interview which will be available on site on Friday, March 15th.